Google "Real Estate Blogs." I did, after reading TLW...ROAR's post yesterday. Active Rain (my favorite forum) is listed all the way back on page 3. If I had a bigger screen, maybe it would have been at the bottom of page 2. Maybe not. The point is, as an entity, Active Rain's web presence isn't where it needs to be. It was listed at number 27 as of 4:30 this morning. Inman is number 5.
So what, you ask? With nearly 47,000 members--many of you the best and brightest in our industry--we can change that with a little focus on two things: (1) creating real estate-related content, and (2) adding real estate-related tags to your posts. Don't think you have to give up your voice to do this!
I'm changing my focus. Actually, I changed it about a week ago, with some much-appreciated direction (I asked, she responded) from Marlene Bridges, REALTOR in Orange County, CA. Almost every post has a single focus--writing Real Estate Related Content for Active Rain and Local Color Content (Tucson) for Localism. All from a personal point of view. My view. My voice!
I use every literary tool at my disposal to make my writing memorable--to make the reader come back for more. My "Mike In Tucson tool bag" has drama, humor, suspense, anticipation and the sharpest tool of all--surprise! (Go ahead. Click the picture...you know you want to!)
I challenge you to spend 10 minutes reading TLW's blog post Why Not Just Use Your Active Rain Blog As An On Line Diary? ... ROAR! (Members Only.) Do it when you have 20 minutes to sift through the comments. Together, with your focus, Active Rain can top Inman in Google Rankings. We have better writers. I'll bet the Suthern Thangs bloggers can write recipes with real estate content! Are you up to the challenge?
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ mortgage lender.
edit: Karen George, a fellow Arizona lender, wrote a great post on Tags for Google optimization. Here's the link. Adding Google-Friendly "Tags" to Your Blog When Posting-- Part 2 (Members Only)
Mike- I SO agree! I read TLW's post and found out things I didn't know. I was getting a little intimidated in thinking it was becoming a diary.
One of the things I love about AR is the real estate related content. There's a wealth of information contained in the heads of the people who contribute here. I'm all for learning all I can to better serve my clients!
And...I can't believe you used my picture again!
Mike,
I agree,
I just learned how to add tags the other day, and had to add them to 48 posts. Anyhow, as AR is growing, people need to learn how to get the full benefit out of it. Great Post
Dawn, isn't that the cutest little hippo? You can build a story around a graphic, or you can start with the graphic and find a way to capture the imagination of the reader. Either way, it's a lot of fun!
Ashley, I visited your blog! You're doing your part and then some. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Pat, I need to go visit you. Look for me.
Linda, service to the client is a great mantra. You're too funny with the photo comment... do I have to pay you royalties or something?
Gary, I have to do what you did--go back and edit my tags to focus the google crawler on our real estate content.
Mike in Tucson
Thanks, Marlene. Mark Twain asked: "What is the most rigorous law of our being?" His answer (his speech, after all) "Growth." - Mark Twain's Speeches. But growth unchecked doesn't necessarily produce the desired outcome. That takes input from outside sources. In landscape horticulture, we call it pruning.
TLW's point about Active Rain's growth, if I can put words in her mouth, is that Active Rain's growth needs pruning in order to achieve a desired outcome in Google rankings. I agree. That's why I'm grateful to people in AR like yourself. You give valuable input. Sally Cheeseman is another valuable "pruner." Thanks, Sally!
Size isn't the desired outcome for the Active Rain Real Estate Network. "...there are times when a hornet's opinion disturbs us more than an emperor's."
"An Undelivered Speech," Mark Twain 3/25/1895
Linda, thanks for cutting me a break!
Pat, there it is. Comments are often as much fun (and as useful) as the post!
TLW's post did get my attention and I am trying to do a better job. I will probably still post my occasional recipe (cooking is a passion). Ok, this is going to be more work........sleep, do we get to sleep?
Don't give up the recipes! I love to cook. Thanks for commenting, Cynthia!
Good reminder, Mike. With the 'honesty' contest in full swing, I'm hoping all of the business people blogging about honesty in relation to business will boost our rankings. I hope you'll consider putting in an entry....
Jo
Jo, I'm looking forward to doing just that. Thank you.
Mike in Tucson
Mike
Too many people write either because they like to write or for points.
Localism is where it's at to get business.
Dan, it's good to see you!
Joe, I've got to go read your Localism posts.
Mike, everything I know about blogging I learned right here on AR. You have just added to my knowledge base. Thank you.
Bill Roberts
Bill-
Isn't this a great community of knowledge? Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Mike in Tucson
Howdy Mike
I am up to the challenge. I'll do every thing I can to help.
Have a good one
Tracy, there's the idea for a new post--Challenge inactive members to rise to the occasion!
Dale, I'm off to read you blog as soon as I save this comment.
Mike in Tucson
I know, Donna. You just couldn't help yourself... Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Mike in Tucson
Thanks, Eric. I'll do that.
Mike in Tucson
Ed, thanks for visiting and commenting; I'm headed to your blog to see what you're doin'
Mike in Tucson (vacationing in Surf City, NJ at the moment)
Bill & Barbara Jo,
...but did you click the picture?
Mike in Tucson
Mike...
Well. What can I say except a lovely worth her weight is always late :)
Anyway...Since I wrote that post I have put up several posts somewhat RE related.
If we all keep the end result in mind perhaps the present would see us topping Inman :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW...ROAR!,
Thanks for commenting! This post is all your fault! LOL. Look for more on LENDERAMA!
Mike in Tucson